Hartford Man Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Heroin, Possessing Firearm

Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DANIEL GAMERO, 24, of Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for heroin distribution and firearm possession offenses.

This matter stems from an ongoing statewide initiative targeting narcotics dealers who distribute heroin, fentanyl or opioids that cause death or serious injury to users.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in February 2016, Hartford Police began investigating the distribution of heroin marked with a particular brand stamp that was linked to at least two overdose deaths, one in Vernon on February 1 and one in Granby on March 22. Between February and April 2016, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of heroin marked with the same stamp from GAMERO and his associate, Charlie Tacuri.

GAMERO and Tacuri were arrested on April 21, 2016. On that date, a search of GAMERO’s Preston Street residence revealed approximately 650 bags of heroin, a quantity of marijuana, a loaded firearm and approximately $1,600 in cash. At the time of Tacuri’s arrest, Tacuri possessed approximately 60 bags of heroin and approximately $1,200 in cash.

On December 15, 2016, GAMERO pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

GAMERO, a citizen of Peru and lawful permanent resident of the U.S., faces immigration proceedings when he is released from prison.

On December 8, 2016, Tacuri pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin. He awaits sentencing.

This investigation has been conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Haven Tactical Diversion Squad and the Hartford, Vernon and Granby Police Departments. The Tactical Diversion Squad includes members from the New Haven, Hamden, Greenwich, Shelton, Bristol, Vernon, Wilton, Milford, Monroe, Fairfield and Manchester Police Departments, and the Connecticut State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney H. Gordon Hall.